Chain forming machine



Feb. 13, 194-0. E T HL CHAIN FORMING MACHINE Filed Sept. 27, 1938 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR FRA K E. STAHF ATTORNEY Feb. 1 3, 1940. F, E. STAHL 2,190,129

CHAIN FORMING MACHINE Filed Sept. 27, 1938 '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed sept. 2'7, 1938 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 lav-671F505 7 RANK E S Tam.

1940- F. E. STAHL I 25 190,129

CHAIN FORMING MACHINE Filed Sept. 27; 1938 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 livefi't'av; 'FRPYN K E. STA H 1.

Feb. 13, 1940. F. E. STAHL CHAIN FOI RMING MACHINE Filed Sept. 2'7, 1938 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 livenfov; FR/x N K E. STAR L Feb. 13, 1940,

F. STAHL CHAIN FORMING MACHINE 7 Sheet-Sheet 6 Filed Sept. 27, 1938 liven-I602:

E. 5 TA H L FRANK F. E. STAHL 2,190,129

CHAIN FORMING MACHINE Feb. 13, 1940'.

Filed Sept. 2'7, 1938 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 l zvenfo 7;

FRANK E. STAHL fliforney.

Patented Feb. 13, 1940 UNITED STATES 2,190,129 I v CHAIN FO-RlVIlN G MACHHIE Frank E. Stahl, Tonawanda, N. Y.; Lillie M. Stahl, administratrix of the estate of said Stahl, deceased, assignor to Columbus McKinnon Chain Corporation, Tonawanda, N. -Y.,' a corporation of New York I Application September 27, 1938, Serial No. 231,957

13 Claims.

My invention relates in general to chain forming machines and particularly to machines for forming that type of chain which, whensubsequently welded and twisted, is cut intosuitable lengths and used for the cross-chains of antiskid devices for use upon vehicle tires.

My invention has to do particularly with the formation of chain having links each formed from wire having an irregular cross-section, as for instance, the wire shown and described in my Patent ,No. 1,786,318 issued to me on December 23, 1930. The wire shown in this patent and from which the links of my patent, and those of the present application are formed, has one side cylindrical in cross-sectional form and its opposite side wedge-shape in form and sharp at the extreme edge, which edge extends longitudinally of the wire and preferably parallel to the axis thereof. v

Wire of this cross-section, when formed into links, is so arranged previous to being formed that its sharp edge, when subsequently welded and twisted, is located at that side of the link which is presented to the pavement, whereby added traction is afforded by reason of the sharp, projecting edges which engage with the road surface or ice thereon. The opposite round side of the links of such twisted chain is in engagement with the tire, whereby wearing and abrading thereof will be avoided.

It is obvious, in the manufacture of a chain which is to be subsequently twisted, that the links must be properly assembled when being made from the blanks so that when later twisted all of the sharp traction edges will be located at one side of the chain, and consequently, all of the round surfaces at the other side thereof. It is, furthermore, desirable-that the joints in the links before welding and twisting be so arranged with respect to each other that the chain may be conveniently run through any well-known type of welding machine. a

The principal object of my invention has been to provide a chain forming machine by which the links shall be so assembled and'formed that,

after subsequent welding and twisting, the sharp edges of all of the links will be at one side or means whereby various links maybe elevated.

during the threadingand formation of successive I links.

Another object has been to provide means whereby the twist created inthe chain as it is being formed will be removed.

Moreover, my device is provided with means for periodically operating the lifter means.

Furthermore, my invention is of sucha nature that each of the links after formation is turned upon its minor'axis in the same direction.

As hereinbefore pointed out, it is essential that the links of sucha subsequently twisted chain be so arranged when assembled and formed with respect to the cross-section of the wire forming the same that when subsequently welded and twisted, the same side of: the cross-section of the wire Will be on the same sideof the finished,

twisted chain. This may beaccomplished in a number of ways, it being essential, however,.that

similar faces of adjacent links be successively Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of one of the links and is taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic view showing points indicating various positions which the joints in the links of a chain, made on my apparatus, occupy during formation of the chain.

Figure 14 shows a top plan view of a piece of chain made on my apparatus and subsequently welded and twisted and ready to be severed in proper lengths for use as cross-chains for antiskid devices. k

Fig. 15 is a side elevation of a single link of a chain made by means of the apparatus herein shown and described, showing the twist thereof.

Fig. 16 is a plan view of my invention.

Fig. 1'7 is a fragmentary, front elevationtof the same. I I

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary, side elevation, as viewed from the right-hand side of Fig. 17, of, a portion of my machine for preventing the chain, as a whole, from becoming twisted during its for mation. I

Fig. 19 is an enlarged, fragmentary, end elevation of my machine as it appears from the left-hand side of Fig. 16.

Fig. 20 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional, plan View of a portion of my apparatus and is taken on line 2ll2il of Fig. 21.

Fig. 21 is a fragmentary, sectional elevation of the parts of my device shown in Fig. 20 and is taken on line iii-2i of Fig. 20.

Fig. 22 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional elevation taken on line 2222 of Fig. 16.

Fig. 23 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional View and is taken on line 2,323 of Fig. 22.

Fig. 24 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional, plan view taken on line 2 l24 of Fig. 22.

Fig. 25 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view taken on line 25-25 of Fig. 19.

Fig. 26 is an enlarged, fragmentary view taken on line 2526 of Fig. 16.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to Figs. 1 to 13, inclusive, I show, for clearness and convenience, the step-by-step formation of the links of a chain formed upon my device.

The cross-section of the wire of which the links of thechain are formed is shown at the end of the blank 3% of Fig. 1 and also in Fig. 3. This cross-section is of general elliptical form, being round at one side 3! and tapered to a relatively sharp traction edge 32 at the opposite side thereof. This blank, which is severed in my chain forming machine, hereinafter described, is passed through the machine and is formed in well-known manner into the link 33, shown in perspective in Fig. 2.

hi the formation of the chain, as hereinafter described, it is necessary that the links be rotated and turned upon various axes at various times, and, for clearness of illustration and description, I have indicated on Fig. 2 and also upon some of the other figures a major axis 3 indicated by the line 3536 which extends across the link longitudinally of its length and midway of its width. A minor axis iii extends laterally of the link midway its length and is indicated by the line A l42.

. some of the links in one step of their formation are turned end-for-end and are rotated on substantially what will be termed a perpendicular axis 43. This axis extends through the center of the link midway its length and width and perpendicularly to a plane passing through the major and minor axes. This perpendicular axis is represented by the line M i of Fig. 2.

It will be obvious that each link, as shown in Fig. 2, is formed from the blank 3! shown in Fig. 1, on the mandrel of my apparatus, hereinafter described. The rod from which the blanks 3% are formed is fed in such position that when the blanks are successively formed into links, as illustrated by the step shown in Fig. 2, the sharp traction edge 32 will be arranged around the outer periphery of the link, as shown in this figure, as well as in the other figures, and particularly as shown in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 3. When arranged in this position and subsequently twisted, portions of the sharp traction edges of each link will be arranged at one side of the chain and presented to the pavement for gripping traction. Since, in the formation of the chain, the joints in the links occupy positions about the major axes of the links which are at 90 from each other I have, for clearness of description, indicated these positions diagrammatically in Fig. 4. In this figure, the positions just referred to are indicated by points l,'2, t, and 5, arranged about the major axis 34 of the link, at 90 from each other, and in a plane perpendicular to such major axis which is shown as passing through the point of intersection of links extending from points i3 and points 2 i. After the formation of the link 33, shown in Fig. 2 (which is the first link to be formed in the chain), is completed with the joint i! in front of the major axis of the link, and before another blank is fed to my machine, turning fingers H6 and Ill shown in Figs. 22 and 24 grasp this first link 33 and rotate it upon its minor axis it preferably in clockwise direction, as viewed in the drawings and as indicated by the full-line arrow 46 through an angle of 90 and to the position shown in Fig. 5. When the first link has been moved from the position shown in Fig. 2 to the position shown in Fig. 5, its major axis 3 3 will occupy a vertical position and the joint fill thereof will be disposed at point i of Fig. 4. While being held by the turning fingers in the position shown in Fig. 5, a second blank 50 is fed through the first link 35 and immediately formed into the second link 5i shown in Fig. 6. Previous to this stage of formation of the second link, the turning fingers have released the first link 33 and have now grasped the second link 5!.

As hereinbefore pointed out, it is necessary, in order that the faces of successive blanks be properly arranged for subsequent twisting, that each successive link have similar faces arranged at substantially right angles to each other and in rotative or helical manner throughout the length of the chain. The second link 5i, therefore, is also rotated in clockwise direction, as indicated by the arrow 52. This second link is, like the first link, rotated on its minor axis it through substantially 90 and to such a position that its major axis M will be vertically arranged, as shown in Fig. 7. When rotating the second link 5! from the horizontal position in which it is formed, and as shown in Fig. 6, to the vertical position, as shown in Fig. '7, the first link 33, which normally rests upon the side 53 of the link (which is opposite the joint 41) will slide to the right-hand endof the link 51 on its side 53, as this link is rotated on its minor axis 40, until it reaches the lower end of the link from which it is suspended. In sliding down the side 53 and around the end of the second link 5|, the first link 33 is rotated upon its major axis through substantially 90 in a clockwisedirection, as indicated by the dot-and-dash arrow 54. It will be noted that the wire is so formed that each link, as it is formed, has its sharp traction edge 32 arranged uppermost. Furthermore, each link as it is rotated by the turning fingers in clockwise direction on its minor axis it from the horizontal position of Fig. 2 to the vertical position of Fig. 5, will have its sharpened edge 32 foremost and its round surface 33 at the side away from the observer. Moreover, when the second link 5!, and each successive link thereafter, is rotated on its minor axis $8 from its horizontal position, shown in Fig. 6, to the vertical position, shown in Fig. 7, the next preceding link, when rotated on its major axis 35. in clockwise direction, will have its side bearing the sharp traction edge 32 rotated, as just above indicated, through an angle of substantially 90. Since each successive link is thus rotated during the movement just above described, each such successive link will have its sharp traction face at 90 to the similar face of the next preceding link and also to that of the next succeeding link; and, since the rotation of each of the links on its minor axis from to the position occupied in Fig.10'. In such'turnits horizontal position to its vertical position is in the same direction (clockwise in the presentinstance), such traction faces will be in helical arrangement throughout the length of the chain,

indicated by the arrow 54, the joint thereof will.

be moved from the position of point I, indicated diagrammatically in Fig. 4 (which it occupies in Fig. 5), to the position of point 2, andthe second link 5|, by being rotated upon its minor axis 40 from the position of Fig. 6 to'the position of Fig. '7, will have its joint 41 arranged in the position of point I.

After the second link 5| has reached its vertical position, as shown in Fig. 7, with the first link 33 suspended from the bottom thereof, a third blank 55 will be fed through the second link 5| and above the first link 33, as clearly shown in Fig. 7. This third blank will thenbe formed into the third link 56, shown in dotted lines in Fig. 7, in the manner above described in connection with the formation of the first and second links. After the third link is formed, it is rotated on its minor axis 45 from the dotted line horizontal position of Fig. '7 to the vertical position shown in Fig. 8.

In the movement of the third link 56 shown in dotted lines in Fig.7 to the position of Fig. 8, the first and second links 33 and 5|, respectively, willbe rotated on their major axes 34 through another which willbring the joint 41 of the first link 33 to position indicated by point 3 and will also bring the joint'dl of the second link 5| to the position indicated by point 2 (seeFig. 4). From Fig. 8, it will, however, be

seen that the joint of the third'link 56 is arranged in position l, or in aposition which is diametrically opposite to the position occupied by second link 5| to the upper end of the third link 56 and to feed the blank 60 of the fourth link into the third link 56 below the second link 5|. This is accomplished by lifting the first and second links during the feeding of the blank which is to form the fourth link and, in such lifting, the first and second links are moved to the positions shown in Fig. 9. y In order to move the first and second links to this position, a lifter ring Ill, forming part of my invention, is employed. This ring is so designed that it will be operated by means hereinafter described to lift the chain previously made during the formation of each two successive links, for reasons hereinafter pointed out. During the time the first and second links 33 and 5l'are lifted, as shown in Fig. 9,

the blank to for thejfourth link is fed into the third link and under the second link 5|, as just above described, whereupon the fourth link 62, shown in dotted lines in Fig. 9, is formed. After the formation of the fourth link 62, and before it is rotated upon its minor axis 40 from the position shown in Figs. 9 and 10 tothe position shown in Fig. 11, the lifter ring drops the links 33, 5|, and 56 of the chain previously formed, whereby the third link 56 is rotated upon its perpendicular axis 43, as indicated bythe dot-anddash arrow 6 l, and is thereby turned end-for-end ing movement, the joint 41 thereof will bemoved from the "position showninFig. 8, where it is diametrically opposite to thejoint of the firstlink 33, to a position where it willbe on the same side as the jointof the first link or in the position indicated by point 3. i

After the first, second, and third links have assumed the positions shown in Fig. 10 by the return of the lifterrin'g toits inactive position, the fourth link '62 will, after its formation, be

rotatedupon its minor axis 40, as shown in Fig. 11, which will turn each of the first, second, and

third links on ftheir major axis 34 through an.

angle of 90. This will bring these links to such positions that the joint of thev first link 33 will occupy a position indicated by point 4; the joint of the second link 5| will be brought to the position indicated by point 3; and the joint of the third link 53 will be brought to the position indi-.

cessive links be fed under the previously formed link.. i

Since the joint of the fourth link, afterbeing rotated upon its minor" axis 40 through 90? to the position shown in Fig. 1-1, is on the side oppo site the joint of the second link 5| (before the other links are lifted, as shown); it is necessary to turn this link end-for-end on its perpendicular axis 43 in a mannersimilar to the previous or third link 56. This will bring. the joint of this fourth link 62 on the same side as the joint of the second link 5|, or at point 3 (Fig. 4), as shown in Fig. 12. In order toaccomplish this turning, it is necessary that the first, second, and

third links be lifted by means of the lifter ring Ill. (see Fig. 11), so that the blank 63 for the fifth link may be fed through the fourth link 62 and underneath thethird link 56. The blank 63 is then formed into the fifth link64, as shown by the dotted lines in Fig. '11. After this fifth link is formed, the lifter ring is lowered, thus allowing the first four links to be suspended from the horizontally arranged side of the fifth link 64 (as shown in Fig. 12), whereupon the joint 41 of the fourth link 62 will be moved from the position shown in Fig. 11 to the position shown in Fig. 12, as just above pointed out. As indicated in Fig. 12, the joints 4'! of the first and third links 33 and 56, respectively, are upon the same side of the chain, or at point '4, and the joints of each successive odd link will lie in the same plane.

Likewise, the joints of. the second and fourth links and each successive even link will lie in another plane which is at right angles to the plane of. the

odd links. f

After the first four links havebeen allowed to assume the positions shown in Fig. 12, they will ing this movement, the first four links will be rotatedthrough 90, orto the positions shown in Fig. l3,and the joints will thereby be moved from the positions of Fig. 12 to those of Fig. 13. In

such'positions it will be seen that the joints of the first ifour links still occupy the same relative positions as above described, and "it will also be obvious that the joint of the fifth link will occupy a position occupied by the joints of the first and third links. The blank 65 for the "sixth link Will, therefore, be fed into the fifth link 64 above the fourth link 62, as clearly shown in Fig. '13, and in the same manner as the feeding of the second blank 58 through thefirst link 33.

The blank '65 is formed into the sixth link in a manner similar to the formation of the second link 5i, and the next plank for the seventh'link is fed and formed similarly to the feeding and forming of the blank '55 for the third link. The

sixth and seventh blanks and links are treated similarly to the second and third blanks and links, hereinbefore described.- The seventh link, however,-when formed, will occupy the same position as the third link shown in Fig. '8, and it is then necessary, in order to bring the joint of this seventh and the next successive or eighth link on the proper side of the chain, to feed the blank for the eighth link through the seventh link :and under the sixth link and, likewise, the blank. for theninth link through the eighth link and under the seventh link, in a manner similar to the formation of the fourth. andfifth links shown clearly by Figs. 9 to 12, inclusive, whereupon the next two successive blanks will be fed on top of the preceding links during the next cycle, as shown in a manner similar to the feeding of the blanks for the second and third links and the blanks for the sixth, and seventh links. This successive and alternate feeding of pairs of blanks will continue in the same manner throughout the'entire chain.

As hereinbefore pointed out, it is necessary in order that the subseqi'lently twisted chain. have all of the sharp traction faces on one side of the chain and all of the round faces on the other side thereof that each successive link be turned through -90. This is clearl shown by Fig. 13 Where it will be seen, starting with the first link 33 and moving upwardly through the next succeeding links, that each successive link has its sharp traction face 32 arranged at rightangles to the next preceding link. In other words, the traction face of link 33 faces point 4 Each succeeding link 55,56, 6'2, and M has traction face '32, respectively, facing point-s 2, l, ands. While I have shown my device for making a chain by successively feeding the blanks of the two succeeding links into the first preceding links alternately above and below the second previously formed links, certain modifications may be made whereby a chain may be formed in a number of other ways. For instance, the blanks may befed alternately one above and one below the second previously formed :link, each successive link rotated either uniformly clockwise or counterclockwise. Furthermore, my apparatus may be used to make a chainby feeding all of the blanks above the previously formed links.

Of course, as hereinbefore pointed out, it is desirable to have the joints of alternate links are ranged .in thesame plane and the joints of the intermediate alternate links all arranged in the same planebut different from the first plane, such plane of the intermediate links being at right angles to the plane of the first mentioned 1 joints, for convenience in welding the links in a manner; as they will be'in the modifications just above mentioned, the welding of the joints may be accomplished in any other desired way.

' Reference is now to behad to Figs. 16 to 26, inclusive, where I show my apparatus. The apparatus comprises a bed if) supported by suitable pedestals ii. As is customary in link forming machines of this type, a main cam shaft l2 and an auxiliary cam shaft it are provided. These cam shafts are preferably connected together by means of a pair of bevel gears it, so proportioned that the auxiliary cam shaft '53 will be rotated one revolution to each two revolutions of the main cam shaft ill. The bed carries forming slides l5 and 16, each of which carries a standard link forming arm ll, and each of which is operated by suitable cams which do not form part of this application and, therefore. are not further described.

The blank stock 89 is fed to the machine through straightening rollers 21! and by means of a feed arm 82, suitably driven by means of a cam 63, which does not form part of my invention. A gripper 34, is, likewise, provided on machines of this type and is worked. in'synchronism with the feeding arm 82. As is customary, the blank stock as is fed into the machine through a pair of well knowncut-off dies, indicated at it, and against a suitable stopiiii, which parts are standard equipment with machines of this type and are, therefore, not further described.

Referring now particularly to Figs. 22 to 2 inclusive, the apparatus is provided with a mandrel 88 which is so mounted as to slide vertically in a mandrel bracket 93 carried by the bed it. The mandrel is held in place within the bracket by means of aretaining plate 87. This retaining plate is preferably held in place by means of a mandrel bracket cap 88 which is suitably sec ed to the mandrel bracket. The upper end of the mandrel is shaped to fit the link, as is customary, and is brought in position in timed relation with the link forming arms ll for the formation of the blank into a link. In Fig. 16, a blank ii! is shown in position against the mandrel ready to be operated on by the link forming arms. During the formation of the link, it is obvious that, in machines of this type, some means must be provided for holding the blank against the mandrel prior to the forming thereof into a link. This is accomplished by means of a clamping finger Sill. Usually, two such clamping fingers are employed, but in the apparatus shown for illustrative purposes, only one is employed, shown in Fig. for reasons to be hereinafter stated. Obviously, this clamp finger is actuated in timed relation with the movement of the link forming arms, as is customary in this type of machine. Referring now specifically to Figs. 16, 22, and 23, a mandrel lever 33 is provided which is suitably pivoted to the bed ll of the machine and is actuated in customary manner by means of a mandrel cam 9 So as to provide for the arcuate movement of the arm of the mandrel lever, a mandrel holder block 95 is pivotally attached to a block 96 which is mounted in a slide 88$ formed in the .end 'of the mandrel lever.

The mandrel block is provided with two arms 589, between which the lower end of the mandrel is disposed. A mandrel wedge 502 is disposed across the space between the arms and bears against the mandrel, whereby the mandrel may besecurely clamped in place after its vertical adjustment. The mandrel block is attached to the block 06 by means of a mandrel block screw I03. I

As hereinbefore pointed out, when describing the formation of the links, the blanks are fed one at a time into the first next preceding links by first successively feeding two link blanks above the two second, next preceding links,.and then in alternate manner successively feeding link blanks into thefirst next precedingv links and below the two second, next preceding links. In order to feed .the blanks below each of the two second, next preceding links, it is necessary, to provide means for lifting each of these links with the attached preceding links before each succeeding blank is fed into the first, next preceding link. In order to accomplish this, I provide my apparatus with a chain lifter I04. This lifter is formed with a downwardly extending arm I05 which is slidably mounted within a slot I06 formed in the mandrel bracket cap 80. The slot I06 is considerably wider than the width of the arm I05 (see Fig. 23), so that lateral movement of the arm, as well as'longitudinal movement, will be permitted. The lifteris also provided with an upwardly extending arm H0, which is set at an angle with the arm I05 and which carries at its upper end a lifter ring III. The ring III is arranged preferablyat right angles to the plane of the arms H0 and I05 and is of such a size to permit the chain to freely pass therethrough. In the arms H0 and I05 there is formed an angular slot I I2 which engages with a lifter stud This stud is carried by a screw IM and the stud projects into the space I06 where it engages with the angular slot I I2, whereby when the lifter is reciprocated by means hereinafter described, the ring I II will be moved from the full-line position to the dotted-line position, and vice versa,as clearly shown in Figs. 2 2 and 23.

The chain lifter I00 is operated by means of a chain lifter lever H5, clearly shown in Figs. 19,

20, 21, and 25, which is suitablypivoted as hereinafter described. Carried at the outer end ofthis chain, lifter lever is a chain lifterarm I I6 which provides means for adjusting the relative I position of the chain lifter and the lifter lever which actuates it. The lifter armis attached to the lifter lever in pivotal manner by means of a screw I20. pivotal connection of the lever and is provided at its inward end with a boss IZI to which the lower end of the arm I05 of the chain lifter I04 is pivotally attached by means of a bolt I22 (Figs. 20, 21, and 22). This bolt passes through theboss I2I and through anarcuate slot I23 formed in the end of the lifter lever H5, whereby the inner end of the lifter arm may be moved up and down with respect to the lifter lever in adjusting the ring I II of; the chain lifter to the proper position. A locking screw I24 passes through a slot I25 formed in the lifter lever between the bolts I20 and I22 and into the lifter arm H6, whereby the arm may be rigidly fixed in its adjusted position.

A fulcrum pin bracket I26 is carried by the bed I0 of the machine and provides a sliding support for the fulcrum pin I30 of the chain lifter lever H5 (see Figs. 20 and 21). This fulcrum pin is normally in thev dotted-line position shown in Fig. 20 and, when in this position, supports the chain lifter lever H5. At the'extreme inner end of the lifter lever is a lever arm pivot bolt I 3! upon which is pivotally mounted a lifter lever arm I32. This lever arm carries a cam roller I33 at its outer end and this roller engages with end of the fulcrum pin I 30.

The arm extends inwardly from the a suitablechain lifter cam I34 (see Figs. 16, 20 and 21), which is preferably made integral with the mandrel cam 94 and designed to give two impulses or movements for each rotation of the auxiliary cam shaft I3. This lifter lever arm is operated about the lever arm pivot bolt I3I without performing any function as to the operation of the chain lifter lever until the fulcrum pin I30 is moved axially into engagement with an aperture I35 when such aperture is brought into registration with the pin. At this point, the pin is moved axially to the full-line position shown in Figs. 20 and 25, at which time the fulcrum of the lifterlever arm I32 is changed from the pivot bolt I3I to the fulcrum pin I3. When mengaged, the actuation of the lever arm I32 will cause the chain lifter-lever II5 to be actuated. When the fulcrum pin I 30 is moved toengage the lifter arm I 32, it changes the pivotal connection of the arm from the pivot bolt I3I to said pin. When the pin I30 is moved beyond the farther face of this arm and into an aperture formed in the arm I36 of the fulcrum pin bracket I26, the extreme outer endiof the pin istherby steadied. The fulcrum pin I30 is moved axially by means of a yoke lever I40 (seeFigs. 16, 19, 20, 21 and 25) the lower, bifurcated endI II of which engages a groove I42 formed bytwo interspaced collars I43 positioned at the outer This yoke 'lever is pivotally carried by means of a pivot bolt I44 (see Figs. 19 and 25), which is carried byxa fulcrum pin plate M5. The head M6 of the bolt is preferably mounted within a recess formed in the fulcrum pin bracket I26 and the plate is fastened I inbefore. given, two of the impulses will operate the chainlifter lever I I5 and the connected lifter I 04, whereas the next two successive impulses will idly move the lifter lever arm I32 without actuation of the lever H5. It is necessary, therefore, that the fulcrum pin I30 be actuated every third and fourth impulse given to the lifter lever arm I32. In order to accomplish this, it is necessary to actuate the yokelever I40 so as to shift the fulcrum pin I30 axially and to' keep it in the position where it is engaged with the chain lifter lever, or when it is in the position of non-engagement, therewith, during each pair of impulses as abovereferred to. In order to accomplish this, a trigger finger I 5I is provided, clearly shown in Figs. 16 and 26. ,This

finger is pivotally mounted upon a pivot bolt I51 which is carried by a bracket I52. This trigger is engageable with a lug I53 carried at the upper end, of the yoke lever I 40. This trigger finger is pivotally attached to the braket I 5'2 and is formed at its forward end with an arrow-shaped point I30. This bracket is mounted upon the turning rack cam I663. The rear end of the arrow is formed with a head I55. Stop pins I56 limit the movement of the finger in either direction. A friction plunger IE0 is located in an aperture IBI formed from theunder side of the trigger finger and a spring I62 serves to keep the plunger pressed in contact with the surface of the bracket, so that the finger will be frictionally held in either of the two extreme positions to which it has been moved. As clearly shown in Figs. 16, 19 and 20, where the fulcrum pin I is shown engaged for the actuation of the chain lifter lever, it will be seen that the point I54 of the finger I5I will engage the lug I53 of the yoke lever Hill and cause it to be moved clockwise, as viewed in Fig. 19, until the stop 563 is reached. During such movement, the fulcrum pin will be withdrawn to the dotted-line position of Fig. 20 and the chain lifter lever will be freed. from engagement with the lifter lever arm, which arm will be moved idly upn the pivot bolt ISI through the next two impulses given to it by the lifter cam I34. As the finger travels along in its movement, due to the rotation of the bracket I52, the head I55 of the finger, which is very much wider than the body of the finger, will come in contact with the lug I53 of the yoke and cause the finger to be moved about its pivot pin I51 to the opposite position and against the stop I56. In this position, it will be so placed for further engagement with the lug I53 of the yoke lever when it has been rotated to the point of engagement or after two impulses of the lifter lever arm I32.

My device also comprises a turning spindle I64 (see Figs. 16 and 22), which is mounted for reciprocation and rotation in a manner similar to that employed on chain forming machines. It is usual practice, however, to have these spindles rotate first in. one direction and. then in the other, whereas in my apparatus, it is necessary that this spindle be operated so as to rotate each link after formation on its minor axis MP in the same direction. The spindle is operated by means of the usual spindle rack 285 which is actuated by means of the turning rack cam I66, the face of which being so formed as to produce unidirectional movement, instead of reverse movement which is now common in machines of this type. The mechanism for actuating the turning spindle axially is also common and well known in this type of machine and does not form a part of my invention and, therefore, is not further described.

The turning spindle is provided with turning fingers I'Iil and Ill. These fingers, as is well known, are connected together by means of a spring I12 and are designed to engage with the newly formed link when in its horizontal position and to rotate it to its vertical position on its minor axis 40, as shown clearly in Figs. 22 to 24, inclusive. The upper turning finger I?!) is of the usual design, whereas the lower turning finger I'll has a curved, offset portion I13 which provides the necessary clearance for the finished chain, as clearly shown in the last mentioned figures.

When the blanks are fed underneath the second, next preceding links, as shown in Figs. 9 and I1, it is quite essential that the first, next preceding links into which the blank has just been fed be turned upon its perpendicular axis 13 in order that the joints of these last mentioned links may be properly positioned. To accomplish this, I have provided a mandrel plunger I'I' i which is mounted within a groove I15 formed longitudinally in the face of the mandrel and in the surface which bears against the retaining plate 81. This plunger is provided with a head Il't which, in the position shown in Figs. 22 and 23, engages the lower edge of the finger I'll of the turning spindle and is held there by the tension of a helical spring I80. This spring is mounted upon a rod I8I which is slidably mounted in a cross-piece I82 secured to the mandrel. The rod I8I has a head I83 at its lower end which bears against the cross-piece I82 which, when the plunger is allowed to move upwardly, acts as a stop to limit its upward movement. From the position shown in Fig. 22, the plunger is elevated by tension of the spring I83 when the turning fingers I10 and I'I'I are withdrawn from the link shown in this figure, thus engaging the bottom of this link (shown in this figure) and causing it to be moved upwardly, and thus permitting it to turn about its perpendicular axis and to fall, by gravity, on the outside of the link just formed.

When forming chain links, as hereinbe-fore pointed out, the chain is given a turn axially each timea link is formed, which causes the links to be in twisted relation with each other. It is necessary, therefore, in order to prevent such twisted relation of the links, to provide some means to compensate for the 90 turn given to the chain each time a link is formed. Such means may comprise a container I84 for receiving the v finished chain, which container is rotated at the correct speed.

Referring to Figs. 17 and 18, I84 is such a receiving container which is mounted upon a turn table I85. The turn table is driven through a pair of bevel gears I86 to one of which a shaft I99 is attached. The shaft I90 is driven by means of a chain ISI which engages a sprocket I8? carried by the said shaft and another sprocket I92 carried by a stud I93 is secured in the end of the auxiliary shaft I3.

It is obvious that the turn table I85, together with its container, is rotated in such direction as to counteract the rotation of the chain during the formation of the links thereof.

It is obvious that after the chain links have been formed and assembled upon the chain forming machine just above described, it is passed through a standard welding machine and the joints of each of the links are electrically welded in well known manner. not form a part of my invention, and since welders are standard, such apparatus is not shown or described in this application, it being understood that the welding is accomplished in well known manner common to the welding of chain links of various types.

As will be clear from the foregoing description, when a chain is to be formed by means of my device, stock is fed in the usual manner to the apparatus and is severed, as is customary, inrequired lengths. The mandrel 86 is moved up into place as the blank is fed to position and the clamping finger 92 is then operated to hold the blank against the mandrel while the forming arms ll of the machine are operated to bend the free ends of the blank about the mandrel and to produce a link like that shown in Fig. 2. The turning spindle is then operated and the turning fingers Ill! and Ill, which normally lie in a horizontal plane, are moved outwardly and grasp the link just formed, turning it upon its minor axis 40 through an angle of substantially 90 in clockwise direction, or to the position shown by the link 33 in Fig. 5. While this link is held in this position, another blank is fed into my machine through this link and a second link is formed in a manner similar to the first one and as hereinbefo-re pointed out at length in connection with the description of the formation of the links. As just stated, it is clear from the description hereinbefore set forth, that the links are individually formed in alternate groups of two in relation to the feeding of the link blank and the links previously formed. Two links are formed from blanks which are fed above two, second, next preceding links and then, alternately, the next two successive-links are formed from blanks which are fed underneath the two, second, next precedinglinks. This underneath feeding is accomplished by the operation of the lifting device. As hereinbefore clearly set forth, this chain lifter is operated for two impulses of the lifter lever arm I32, and then remains inactive for the next two impulses.

After the chain has been formed on my machine, as above described, it is welded and then is twisted, as clearly shown in Fig. 14, where it will be seen that the sharpened edges of the links are all at one side of the chain. Since the welding and'twisting do not form a part of this application, they are not further described.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is: i

1. A chain forming machine, comprising a housing, a link mandrel slidably carried by the housing, means for operating the mandrel, link forming arms actuated in timed relation with the actuation of the mandrel, a link turning spindle, means for turning said spindle through an angle of substantially eachtime a link is termed, a chain lifter slidably carried by the housing and associated with the turning spindle for lifting certain links while others are being formed, and means for operating said lifter in periodic timed relation with the actuation of the mandrel.

2. A chain forming machine, comprising a housing, link mandrel slidably carried by the housing, means for operating the mandrel, link forming arms actuated in timed relation with the actuationof the mandrel, a link turning spindle, means for turning said spindle through an angle of substantially 90 each time a link is formed, a chain lifter slidably carried by the housing and associated with the turning spindle for lifting certain links while others are being formed, a lifter lever connected to said lifter, a lifter lever arm, means for independently operating said lever arm, and means for intermittently connecting said lever arm with said lever for periodically timed operation of said lifter with relation to the operation of said mandrel.

3. A chain forming machine, comprising a housing, a Link mandrel slidably carried by the housing, means for operating the mandrel, link forming arms actuated in timed relation with the actuation of the mandrel, a link turning spindle, means for turning said spindle through an angle of substantially 90 each time a link is formed, a chain lifter slidably carried by the housing and associated with the turning spindle for lifting certain links while others are being formed, a lifter lever, adjustable means connecting said lever. to said lifter, a lifter lever arm, means for independently operating said lever arm, and means for intermittently connecting said lever arm with said lever for periodically timed operation of said lifter with relation. to the operation of said mandrel.

l. A chain forming machine, comprising a how big, a link mandrel slidablycarried by the her ing, means for operating the mandrel, link forming arms actuated timed relation with the actuation of the, mandrel, a link turning spindle, means for turning said spindle through an angle of substantially 90 each time a link is housing, means for operating the mandrel, link 10 forming arms actuated in timed relation with actuation of the mandrel, a link turning spindle, means for turning said spindle through an angle of substantially 90 each time a link is formed, a chain lifter. slidably carried by the 15 housing and associated with the turning spindle for lifting certain links while others are being formed, a lifter lever connected to said lifter, a lifter lever arm, a slidably mounted fulcrum pin, a yoke lever for moving said pin axially to engage and disengage said lever and said arm, and means for intermittently operating said yoke lever, whereby the lifter 'will be operated in periodic timed relation with the actuation of the mandrel. n

6. A chain forming machine, comprising a housing, a link mandrel slidably carried by the housing. means for operating the mandrel, link forming arms actuated in timed relation with the actuation of the mandrel, a link turning spindle, means for turning said spindle through an angle of substantially 90 each timea link is formed, a chain lifter slidably carried by the housing. and-associated with the turning spindle for lifting certain links while others are being formed, a lifter lever. connected to said. lifter, a lifter lever arm, a slidably mounted fulcrum pin, a yoke lever for moving said pin axially to engage and disengage said lever and said arm, and a pivotally mounted trigger finger engage- ,ab'e with the yoke lever for alternately operating the same, whereby the said lifter arm and lifter lever will be periodically engaged with each other.

7. .A chain forming machine, comprising a housing, a link mandrel slidably carried by the housing, means for operating the mandrel, link forming arms actuated in timed relation with the actuation of the mandrel, a link turning spindle, means for turning said spindle through an angle of substantially 90 each time a link is formed, a chain lifter slidably carried by the housing and associated with the turning spindle for lifting certain links while others are being formed, a lifter lever connected to said lifter, a lifter lever arm, a slidably mounted fulcrum pin, a 55 yoke lever for moving said pin axially to engage and disengage said lever and said arm, and apivotally mounted trigger finger formed with a point at its advanced end and with a relatively wide head at its opposite end, said fingerbeing engageable with the yoke lever for alternately operating the same and for setting the finger in position forits next operation, whereby the lever arm and lifter lever will be periodically engaged with each other. v 65 8. A chain forming machine, comprising a housing, a link mandrel slidably carried by the housing, means for operating the mandrel, link forming arms actuated in timed relation with the actuation of the mandrel, a link turning spindle, means for turning said spindle through an angle of substantially 90 each time a link is formed, a chain lifter slidably carried by the housing and associated with the turning. spindle for lifting certain links while others are being formed, (I

said lifter being formed with an angular slot, a ring carried at the upper end of said lifter, a stationary pin engageable with the angular slot, a lifter lever arm, means for operating said lever arm in synchronism with the operation of the mandrel, a lifter lever connected to said chain lifter arm; and means for periodically connecting said lifter lever with said lifter lever arm.

9. A chain forming machine, comprising a housing, a link mandrel slidably carried by the housing, means for operating the mandrel, link forming arms actuated in timed relation with the actuation of the mandrel, av link turning spindle, means for turning said spindle through an angle of substantially 99 each time a link is formed, a chain lifter slidably carried by the housing and associated with the turning spindle for lifting certain links While others are being formed, said lifter being formed with an angular slot, a ring carried at the upper end of said lifter, a stationary pin engageabie with the angular slot, and means for operating said lifter in periodic timed relation with the actuation of the mandrel.

10. A chain forming machine, comprising a housing, a link mandrel slidably carried by the housing, means for operating the mandrel, link forming arms actuated in timed relation with the actuation of the mandrel, a turning spinle, gripping fingers carried by said spindle, a mandrel plunger slidably carried by said mandrel and engageable with one of said gripper fingers, whereby each link will be elevated after being turned onits minor axis by said fingers.

11. A chain forming machine, comprising a housing, a link mandrel slidably carried by the housing, means for operating the mandrel, link forming arms actuated in timed relation with the actuation of the mandrel, a link turning spindle, gripping fingers carried by said spindle, a springpressed mandrel plunger slidably carried by said mandrel and engageable with one of said gripper fingers, a stop for limiting the upward movement of said plunger, whereby each link will be elevated after being turned on its minor axis by said fingers.

12. A chain forming machine, comprising a housing, a link mandrel slidably carried by the housing, means for operating the mandrel, link forming arms actuated in timed relation with the actuation of the mandrel, a link turning spindle, means for turning said spindle through an angle of substantially in the same direction each time a link is formed, a chain lifter slidably carried by said housing and associated with the turning spindle for lifting certain links while others are being formed, said lifter being formed with an angular slot, a ring carried at the upper end of said lifter, a stationary pin engageable with the angular slot, and means for operating said lifter in periodic timed relation with the actuation of the mandrel.

13. A chain forming machine, comprising a housing, a link mandrel slidably carried by the housing, means for operating the mandrel, link forming arms actuated in timed relation with the actuation of the mandrel, a link turning spindle, means for turning said spindle through an angle of substantially 90 in the same direction each time a link is formed, a chain lifter slidably carried by said housing and associated with the turning spindle for lifting certain links while others are being formed, said lifter being formed with an angular slot, a ring carried at the upper end of said lifter, a stationary pin engageable with the angular slot, said spindle being provided with turning fingers, one of said fingers being curved to allow said ring to pass by the same.

- FRANK E. STAHL. 

